'Answer Man' sounds off on P2P raids

One of the people claiming to be interviewed by the United States in the first criminal copyright crackdown on a peer-to-peer network has posted a statement online challenging the charges and press coverage.

In a letter published by p2pnet, "Answer Man" contends the group known as the Underground Network targeted in this week's raids is not an organized piracy ring. He also argues that the peer-to-peer structure of the network absolves the group's administrators from allegations that they illegally abetted copyright violations. In essence, Answer Man says file transfers on the Underground Network were made between individuals without the knowledge of informal network administrators.

"We do NOT police these files beyond the stuff we KNOW is illegal (underage porn, beastiality, etc.)," Answer Man writes. "Beyond that we are very clear with one point: THE USER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR SHARE!"

This appears to put in play the same logic that a U.S. federal appeals court used in deciding last week that peer-to-peer software maker Grokster was not liable for contributory infringement for the actions of individuals using its software.

There are still a lot of facts that need to come out in this case. But one thing is certain: A key liability defense for peer-to-peer organizers is about to face its next major challenge, with significant consequences riding on the outcome for the individuals targeted in this case.